Create Bonfire 5e: Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Spell Description:

You create a bonfire on ground that you can see within range. Until the spell ends, the magic bonfire fills a 5-foot cube. Any creature in the bonfire’s space when you cast the spell must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 fire damage.

A creature must also make the saving throw when it moves into the bonfire’s space for the first time on a turn or ends its turn there.

The bonfire ignites flammable objects in its area that aren’t being worn or carried.

The spell’s damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8).

	1st level	5th level	11th level	17th level
Damage Dice	1d8	2d8	3d8	4d8
Minimum Damage	1	2	3	4
Average Damage	4.5	8.5	12.5	16.5
Maximum Damage	8	16	24	32

What Is Create Bonfire?

Create Bonfire is a cantrip-level Conjuration spell. The spell creates a magical bonfire in a 5-foot space that ignites flammable objects that are not currently being worn or carried.

Any creature in the space on the initial cast, who moves through the fire’s space for the first time or ends their turn, must make a Dexterity saving throw to avoid taking fire damage.

Who Can Cast Create Bonfire?

Many classes have access to Create Bonfire in one way or another. Artificers, Druids, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards have the spell on their spell lists and can add it to their repertoires right away at 1st level.

Eldritch Knights and Arcane Tricksters can add the spell to their lists at the 8th level, as their first spell slots do not include Conjuration spells. Bards can take the spell using Magical Secrets, available to all bards by 10th level.

When and Where Should I Cast Create Bonfire?

Create Bonfire is a relatively strong low-level control spell. When spell slots are exceptionally scarce at low levels, Create Bonfire can be used to control space on the battlefield while consuming no long-lasting resources. 

It cannot be maintained as a concentration spell if the player wants to cast a different concentration spell. At lower levels, this doesn’t represent an exceptionally high cost.

Still, at higher levels, players may wish to have more potent concentration spells active, and Create Bonfire’s usefulness may fall off at that point.

Why Should I Take Create Bonfire?

Create Bonfire is an excellent low-level control spell. Though its combat uses narrow as the party gains strength, its utility uses for puzzle and problem solving remain potent since it can ignite objects.

Common Questions About Create Bonfire